Original Research by School Decision on Edina Senior High
Edina Senior High is a large regular public high school serving grades nine through twelve in Edina, a first-ring suburb immediately southwest of Minneapolis. It is part of the Edina Public School District. The school’s academic performance on state assessments is strong; the most recent testing data, from the 2024-25 school year, shows very high proficiency in English language arts and notably high proficiency in mathematics. Because only a single year of results was provided, there is no trend information to indicate whether these levels have been stable, rising, or declining. Graduation rate data was also missing from the available information, so a parent looking for that metric would want to check directly with the school or district.
The student body is large, with an enrollment distributed fairly evenly across all four grade levels. Demographically, a substantial majority of students are White, and there are significant shares of Asian, Black, and Hispanic students, along with a smaller share of students of two or more races. A relatively modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, reflecting the broader affluence of the community. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available.
Edina itself is an established, largely built-out suburb with high housing costs and a car-dependent layout. Median home values and rents are well above national and state benchmarks, and the typical commute is lengthy. The city’s civic and commercial life centers around the 50th & France district and extensive parks and recreation amenities such as Centennial Lakes Park and Braemar Golf Course. Population growth has been slow, and new development land is limited. These factors mean the school draws from a community with high household incomes and educational attainment levels.
The district has recently made several lasting structural changes. It extended the elementary school day for the first time in decades, adding time for science, social studies, and intervention blocks. At the secondary level, the district launched the Edina Virtual Pathway, a full-time online program that allows high school students to earn an Edina diploma entirely online with district teachers. On the financial side, the district approved significant budget reductions for the 2024-25 school year, driven by the expiration of federal pandemic funds and ongoing enrollment decline. Staffing cuts have been made across multiple schools and departments, which may affect class sizes and program breadth. Additionally, the school board approved an increase in the property tax levy, meaning higher school taxes for homeowners.
For a family considering Edina Senior High, the school offers a strong academic record based on the available state test results, a large and diverse student population by suburban standards, and the backing of a district that has invested in virtual learning options. The district’s budget pressures and declining enrollment are real factors that could shape the school environment in coming years, and the high cost of local housing is a significant barrier for many families. The school fits best for a family that values high overall proficiency, wants a large high school with many peers, and is prepared for the financial realities of the Edina housing market.
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